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Prayer for drought, but not even politicians can make it rain
20 February 2007
Federal Member of Parliament for Charlton Kelly Hoare joined members of the congregation, appealing to God to reverse climate change. "Let's hope our prayer is answered," she said. Senior minister Dr Bruce Manners thanked Ms Hoare by presenting a miniature coat to her and making reference to the biblical story of Joseph and his coat of many colours. "We wish you the wisdom of Joseph," said Dr Manners.
Five-year-old Lisa Craig helped open the service by offering a prayer of praise, thanking God she and her family could fill their inflatable pool. A scientific snapshot of drought and its socio-economic impact followed before church members Anthony and Lana Hibbard's prayer for intercession. "How long, Lord, how long?" asked Mr Hibbard.
Dr Howard Fisher, a senior lecturer in geography at the college, reminded members of the congregation of their intimate connection with rain. "Our bodies are 60 per cent water, but where does that come from?" he asked. "It comes out of a tap at the end of a pipe, which is connected to a dam filled by a stream, which is fed by rain that comes from the sea."
Church member Joan Patrick offered one of the prayers of confession, asking forgiveness for not treading lightly on "delicate surfaces."
Sally Craig, wife of associate minister Mark Craig, spoke about growing up in Wingham in rural New South Wales. "While our friends in town could use only a hand-held hose, we could use only a hand-held face washer," she said.
The service ended with the congregation singing, to the sound of a didgeridoo, "this lucky country of dreams gone dry" from Australian songwriter Geoff Bullock's "The great southland."
Caption: Federal MP Kelly Hoare joined Avondale College Seventh-day Adventist church members in a national day of prayer for the drought.
Credit: Ann Stafford
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